Jalopnik: Panamera

Cover Your Eyes: The Porsche Panamera Mega Gallery

Wes Siler — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST

Since the Germans invented Schadenfreude, it seems only appropriate that the new Porsche Panamera is so awful that we just can’t quit looking at it. With that in mind, we bring you the Porsche Panamera Mega Gallery: 41 pictures of LongBruce, the four-seat Porsche.

We have CarScoop to thank for pulling many of these photos off of the truly annoying Panamera minisite. In them, we can see a few new, intriguing details. First of which is the Turbo’s wing, which appears to extend upwards from its cubby at the base of the rear glass before the wings extend outwards to the edges of the glasshouse. That sounds pretty neat and we can’t wait to see video of it in action.

Also interesting is the hybrid drivetrain. That model will premiere some time during Spring 2009, so in the meantime we can only look at the battery location and hope that the extremely rearwards location will lend the vehicle some shadow of the 911s character.

Our favorite model is the brown version. Somehow the unfortunate color combines with the awkward shape to cancel out the negative aspects of both. If we were forced at gunpoint to purchase a Panamera, it’d be a brown one with a white interior.

Porsche Panamera GT: In Love, Indifferent Or Incensed?

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST

The first official photos of the Porsche Panamera GT have caused quite a stir, though some would argue that stirring feeling is limited to the stomach area. With a growing four-door sports car market, Porsche clearly made an effort to differentiate the Panamera from production models like the Jaguar XF and concepts like the Lamborghini Estoque. From most angles there's no mistaking the production model from a Porsche, with the design picking up many of the brand's most important cues. Is that a good thing, especially after the lukewarm reception of the Cayenne by design divas? Are you in love, indifferent or incensed at Porsche for stretching the brand yet again?

Everyone was up-in-arms when the Porsche Cayenne SUV was first revealed, but the utility vehicles have been widely embraced and the looks have aged well. But a Porsche sedan? The dentist/plastic surgeon set will go nuts for it because it's an expensive Porsche they can move the family in, but we're less than pleased with the design. From the front it looks too busy, from the profile it looks too long and from the rear it looks too dumpy. Perhaps this is one of those vehicles that gets better with age, but we're not sure if we'll be alive when that much time has passed.

VIDEO: Four-Door Porsche Panamera, Officially Official!

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:30:00 EST

This weekend we revealed the first photos of the Porsche Panamera, the German automaker's first four-door sedan. Now we've got the official press release from the new boys to the sedan block and now, even more excitingly below the jump, we're the first to reveal video of that big-rear end in action. Hit that jump for the hot rear action.

PORSCHE PRESENTS FIRST PHOTOS OF THE PANAMERA GRAN TURISMO Worldwide Debut in Spring 2009 ATLANTA

November 24, 2008 —- Three-quarters of a year prior to market launch, Porsche has released the first official photos the new Panamera. Porsche's unique four-seater was conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, combining numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera is Porsche's fourth model series.

The Panamera designers have succeeded in positioning it as a brand-new and truly different model while retaining the looks of a typical Porsche. Through its proportions, the Panamera stands out in its market segment: measuring 76 inches wide and 55.8 inches in height, it is wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable GT silhouette is created by the car's overall length of 195.7 inches and short, sporting overhangs. In its styling and details, the Panamera follows the design philosophy refined over decades on the 911 and successfully implemented on the Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne. Pure Porsche DNA and comfort for four.

Through its design language, the Panamera establishes a new segment. The symbiosis of sports car DNA derived from the looks of a coupe, the unique interpretation of the classical saloon body and the benefits of a variable space concept give the new Porsche a truly unmistakable appearance. For instance, Panamera comes with strongly contoured air intakes instead of a conventional radiator grille. Striking wheel arches and the long and sleek engine compartment, with the distinctly contoured wings flanking the flat front lid, create the typical 911 "landscape" Porsche customers have appreciated for over 45 years. V-shaped seams along the hood and a rear window that tapers like an arrow to the rear also are characteristic of a sports car. Muscular shoulders over the rear wheels, the sweep of the coupe-like roofline and visible tailpipes again bear the thoroughbred Porsche DNA. An elegant roof arch extends over the generous interior.

Thanks to the unique and sporting architecture of the interior, the car's occupants are able to experience a cockpit-like atmosphere from all four seats. All occupants enjoy supreme comfort in both the front seats and the two contoured rear seats. The luggage compartment easily takes all passengers' luggage; the Panamera's variable space concept with folding rear backrests enables driver and passengers to adjust the luggage space to individual requirements. Finally, the coupe tailgate in the sporting rear end combines everyday usability with stylish elegance. Panamera built in Leipzig; powerful engines hail from Zuffenhausen Porsche has developed powerful and up-to-date engines for the Panamera, reflecting the qualities typical of the brand; the V-engines come with six and eight cylinders and output ranges from 300 to 500 horsepower. Some engines use turbocharging technology and Direct Fuel Injection, making them both fuel-efficient and very powerful. Power flows to the wheels through either a manual six- speed gearbox or Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or Double-Clutch Gearbox.

In addition to rear-wheel drive, the top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive, available on other models as an option. Porsche also is preparing a fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive. Further details on engines, transmissions, performance, prices and equipment will be disclosed next spring.

The Porsche Panamera will be built at Porsche's Leipzig plant, where a 237,000-square-foot production hall and a logistics center currently are under construction. While the Panamera engines are built at Porsche's main plant in Zuffenhausen, painted bodyshells will be supplied by Volkswagen's Hanover plant. The Leipzig plant will then assemble the Panamera for final delivery, with an annual sales target of about 20,000 units. Porsche is once again cooperating with German suppliers, with some 70 percent of the car's components being created in Germany.

The Panamera will make its world debut in spring 2009 and the first models will be at U.S dealers in the fall of next year. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful marquee in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and the Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand. ###

Porsche Panamera Official Photos, Details

Matt Hardigree — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST

Photos of and details about the Porsche Panamera GT, the company's first modern effort at creating a four-door sedan, have officially leaked all over the web and it looks exactly how we expected it to look. From what we can gather from Google Translator and Auto Telegraaf, the Panamera will first hit the shores in Panamera S and Panamera Turbo trim, each fitted with a 4.8-liter V8 putting out 400 HP and 500 HP, respectively. Both will also get Porsche's PDK 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.Though no diesel version is likely to see production, a 3.6-liter V6 option good for 300 HP and a V6-electric hybrid are in the works for sale at a later date. Given the sedan's unique look, the production numbers seem quite optimistic. UPDATE: Full press release after the jump!

Emboldened by their success with the Cayenne SUV, Porsche is planning to sell 20,000 Panameras globally each year, with approximately 20% of these as the top-of-the-line Panamera Turbos. These sedans are going to be quite large if, as the leaked information states, the vehicle is actually 16.3 feet long and 6.3 feet wide. By comparison, a new 5-series BMW is only 15.9 feet long.

PORSCHE PRESENTS FIRST PHOTOS OF THE PANAMERA GRAN TURISMO Worldwide Debut in Spring 2009 ATLANTA

November 24, 2008 —- Three-quarters of a year prior to market launch, Porsche has released the first official photos the new Panamera. Porsche's unique four-seater was conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, combining numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera is Porsche's fourth model series. The Panamera designers have succeeded in positioning it as a brand-new and truly different model while retaining the looks of a typical Porsche. Through its proportions, the Panamera stands out in its market segment: measuring 76 inches wide and 55.8 inches in height, it is wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable GT silhouette is created by the car's overall length of 195.7 inches and short, sporting overhangs. In its styling and details, the Panamera follows the design philosophy refined over decades on the 911 and successfully implemented on the Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne. Pure Porsche DNA and comfort for four Through its design language, the Panamera establishes a new segment. The symbiosis of sports car DNA derived from the looks of a coupe, the unique interpretation of the classical saloon body and the benefits of a variable space concept give the new Porsche a truly unmistakable appearance. For instance, Panamera comes with strongly contoured air intakes instead of a conventional radiator grille. Striking wheel arches and the long and sleek engine compartment, with the distinctly contoured wings flanking the flat front lid, create the typical 911 "landscape" Porsche customers have appreciated for over 45 years. V-shaped seams along the hood and a rear window that tapers like an arrow to the rear also are characteristic of a sports car. Muscular shoulders over the rear wheels, the sweep of the coupe-like roofline and visible tailpipes again bear the thoroughbred Porsche DNA. An elegant roof arch extends over the generous interior. Thanks to the unique and sporting architecture of the interior, the car's occupants are able to experience a cockpit-like atmosphere from all four seats. All occupants enjoy supreme comfort in both the front seats and the two contoured rear seats. The luggage compartment easily takes all passengers' luggage; the Panamera's variable space concept with folding rear backrests enables driver and passengers to
adjust the luggage space to individual requirements. Finally, the coupe tailgate in the sporting rear end combines everyday usability with stylish elegance. Panamera built in Leipzig; powerful engines hail from Zuffenhausen Porsche has developed powerful and up-to-date engines for the Panamera, reflecting the qualities typical of the brand; the V-engines come with six and eight cylinders and output ranges from 300 to 500 horsepower. Some engines use turbocharging technology and Direct Fuel Injection, making them both fuel-efficient and very powerful. Power flows to the wheels through either a manual six- speed gearbox or Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or Double-Clutch Gearbox. In addition to rear-wheel drive, the top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive, available on other models as an option. Porsche also is preparing a fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive. Further details on engines, transmissions, performance, prices and equipment will be disclosed next spring. The Porsche Panamera will be built at Porsche's Leipzig plant, where a 237,000-square-foot production hall and a logistics center currently are under construction. While the Panamera engines are built at Porsche's main plant in Zuffenhausen, painted bodyshells will be supplied by Volkswagen's Hanover plant. The Leipzig plant will then assemble the Panamera for final delivery, with an annual sales target of about 20,000 units. Porsche is once again cooperating with German suppliers, with some 70 percent of the car's components being created in Germany. The Panamera will make its world debut in spring 2009 and the first models will be at U.S dealers in the fall of next year. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful marquee in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and the Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand. ###

[Supercars.net, Auto Telegraaf via CarScoop]

Porsche Panamera Spotted Continuing World Tour With A Drive In Arizona

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST

At this point, who hasn't caught a 2010 Porsche Panamera gallivanting about somewhere in the world? Porsche seems determined to test the car absolutely everywhere before releasing it to the public, and here we see it speeding along the Arizona I-10 in Phoenix. Honestly, unless someone bags one with the "ha-ha we fooled you" pudgy body removed so we see a car that doesn't suck, then it's not a surprise anymore. Still feel free to keep sending us pictures of your encounters, like these of the interior (the only part of the car which doesn't make us gag), whether it be at a Bennigan's in Iowa, a truck stop in Belarus, or a ramen joint in Tokyo. Just pick a spot somewhere, doesn't matter where in the world, eventually a Panamera will drive by. (Thanks for the pics Sean)

2010 Porsche Panamera Interior: Maverick Approved!

Andrew Didorosi — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:30:00 EDT

The newest spy shots of the 2010 Porsche Panamera show an interior that just taunts you to do your best Maverick impersonation, surrounding the driver with an F-14 Tomcat-like bevy of switches, toggles and knobs. The radio and navigation controls appear to be operated by the console's touch screen while the leather-wrapped three-spoke wheel is actually devoid of any buttons besides the Porsche-DSG thumb pads. All in all, it's familiar yet upscale — we'll just have to wait to see how well-integrated the technology is. [Teamspeed]

Four-Door Porsche Panamera Spotted In San Francisco

Ray Wert — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:20:00 EDT

We saw a fake p-shop of the Porsche Panamera the other day (again), the official mini-site's live and we've even seen a teaser shot straight from Porsche. But now, what we've got here is a failure on Porsche's part to communicate to their engineers the need to strap on some camouflage. Thus, here's some of the clearest shots we've yet seen of the four-door super sedan from the German automaker. The Panamera was spotted by Flickr user Hysterical Bertha prowling the streets of Russian Hill, looking for potential customers among the affluent residents of the tony San Francisco neighborhood with some very crooked streets. Yup, it's definitely the Panamera — it even looks like the concept sketch. Well, except for the fact the sketch seemed to indicate the Panamera was made out of pencil lead. Our older spy photos of the new four-door "Bruce" below the jump. (Hat tip to Cord!)

Porsche Panamera Minisite Goes Live With Teaser And Tag Line

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

The Porsche Panamera minisite has gone live and, aside from the above — an advance teaser commercial — it has a concept sketch of the car, a shot of the nameplate and the marketing slogan: "Four, uncompromised." We assume this will be the marketing direction the folks from Stuttgart will take as they pitch the first-ever four-door Porsche automobile. The video is interesting in that it seems to acknowledge all of the negative press and complaints about the concept of, well, a four-door Porsche. If you want to add your details to their data mining campaign or see the video in full size, head over to the Panamera minisite; otherwise, we've pulled down the teaser images and dropped them below the jump.

[Porsche Panamera Minisite]

Porsche Panamera Sedan Teased, Tuned By Roock

Mark Arnold — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:30:00 EDT

This shadowy image of the 2010 Porsche Panamera comes via 4wheelsnews, allegedly from tuner Roock Autosport. ~~It's only the second time we've seen the upcoming Porsche sedan without any camouflage, and we can definitely see much more of the actual car than the first official teaser from Porsche.~~ ~~Though it's not clear exactly what has been modified on the car to turn the Panamera into the Roock RSP 555, but we're sure hoping that's not what the Panamera will look like stock.~~ Turns out, this is just a rendering done previously for Top Gear. Make the jump to see the original.

We've seen the Panamera out testing in camo more than a few different times, but this phony teaser may be the best speculative glimpse yet at the forthcoming four-door. [via 4wheelsnews] [Autoblog] Thanks for the tip Gavin!

Ferrari Sedan Designed By Fanboy; We'll Take A Pinin Instead

Mark Arnold — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:20:00 EDT

With the likes of the Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide and Lamborghini Estoque super sedans coming to the Paris Motor Show, it made sense for young Russian designer Krasnov Igor to render up his idea of what a Ferrari four-door should look like. Thankfully, there likely won't be such a product, but if there will, we sure hope it doesn't look much like Igor's design. One could argue that the basic shape, if you squint, isn't all that bad, but the roof treatment and rear end completely ruin the rest of the package, and the wavy body panels make BMW's flame-surfacing look tame.

Seriously, if you're going to design a concept for a Ferrari sedan, it'd be best to first take a long hard look at the handsome Pinin. Sure it was designed back in 1980, but that's back when sedans were still proud of having four doors, and didn't pretend to be coupe-shaped. You really can't improve much on it.
[cardesign.ru via MotorAuthority]

Porsche Panamera Official Teaser Hides The Ugly Parts

Mark Arnold — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EDT

This is the first official photograph released of the 2010 Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo, and while it's obviously just a teaser shot, they certainly have done a good job at selecting which part of the car to tease with. The big sedan from Stuttgart may have a handsome face, but we're reserving judgment until we can see its bloated body. We're thinking if they had released a teaser shot of just the back end sticking out, more than a few pre-orders may have been canceled.

[Porsche]

2010 Porsche Panamera Caught With Its Hatch Open

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:05:00 EDT

The excruciatingly slow striptease in which the 2010 Porsche Panamera is engaged has taken a big step today, as this is the first look we've gotten at the car with its rear hatch raised. We see a car loaded up with test equipment and displaying several features visible via the open hatch. There appears to be no power open and close mechanism in action here (thankfully) and it seems the rear seats fold flat permitting a huge cargo area. Also, aft of the front wheel there seems to be a fender detail which could be a styled fender vent reminiscent of the Porsche Carrera GT. Absent still are a comely design and brand self-awareness.

[GlobalMotors]

2010 Porsche Panamera Interior Is A Sea of Sexy Buttons

Ben Wojdyla — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:10:00 EDT

The slow, agonizing, bloated, excruciating march towards the Frankfurt Motor Show unveil of the 2010 Porsche Panamera continues unabated, and now we get a pretty good peek at the interior. The Panamera is expected to cross into the six-figure price range, and the interior we see here seems to stand up to that speculation. Leather, tons of buttons, big touch screen, stylish three-spoke steering wheel and Porsche's DSG transmission: all present. We'll just have to see how our bellyaching stands up when the front-engined four-door super-sedan eventually shows up. [AutoCar]

2010 Porsche Panamera Threesome Spotted At Denver Airport

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

Thanks to a vigilant reader and his handy camera phone, we've been tipped off that there are a trio of lightly camouflaged, Georgia-plated Porsche Panameras out and about in the Denver area today. This terrible trio was spotted at the Denver International Airport, indulging in what will be common for the cars once they hit the streets: picking up popped-collar Germans at the airport. What we find most amusing in this set is that they're at the airport, with luggage, which goes in a trunk — and yet, no trunk action. Interesting.

The Panamera is a German luxo-barge which, by definition, has to be able to carry slick-haired dandies and their boatload of hand-stitched leather luggage at the same time. We're assuming that pop-up spoiler on the tail means the engine is back there, it is a Porsche right? But the blokes in the pictures are putting their bags in the rear. Shouldn't they go up front, where the nose-trunk is supposed to be? We're so confused by this car, why build a front-engined Porsche with a pop-up spoiler? (Thanks for the shots Peter)

Porsche Panamera Stars in Suspiciously Convenient Spy Video

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:15:00 EST

Two minutes of drive by and street level video seems hugely suspicious to us. 'Oh hey! Look I'm standing in a field in the German countryside and look what happened to pass by - 3 times - a Porsche Panamera.' 'Hey Dieter, what's that over there opposite the corner we are standing on while you videotape traffic?' ' Why Udo, it appears to be the much anticipated Porsche Panamera, imagine our luck.' We're not buying it. This close to its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show and two solid minutes of footage comes out? We smell marketeers. And no, you aren't seeing things. Yes that is a trailer hitch, thus signifying the end of days.

Electric Bruce! Porsche Releases Details on Panamera Hybrid

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:49:04 EST

Such teases, those Porsche types. Just weeks after telling the German press they're not quite sold on the whole hybrid thing, sales wise, the company's released details on the gas-electric version of its coming Panamera four-door. (Wait, did we say Panamera? Yes, we did.) That means the top-view rendering above, while informing us of the new e-gas tech with cutaway and callouts, provides one of the first representations of the actual car we've seen from the Stuttgart studio. As expected, the modular hybrid drivetrain is the same joint-VW/Audi rig found in the recently revealed hybrid Cayenne. The system allows for joint gas/electric operation during acceleration and electric-only propulsion at highway speeds. That for highly excellent and most precise driving dynamism, no doubt. (Press release after the jump.)

Press Release:

PORSCHE® RELEASES MORE DETAILS ON PANAMERA™

—Ground breaking four-door GT to be offered with Porsche hybrid system—

ATLANTA, January 7th, 2008 - Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, announced today that it is developing a hybrid drive version of its highly anticipated four-door Gran Turismo. The Panamera Hybrid will utilize the same gas-electric drive concept as the Cayenne Hybrid that comes to market at the end of the decade and will claim a remarkable 30% reduction of fuel consumption.

The full parallel hybrid system of the Panamera will be configured with the battery unit positioned below the luggage compartment, and hybrid module, comprising of an additional clutch and electric motor, will be between the engine and transmission. Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid module has the ability to disengage either the combustion engine or the electric motor, or to combine both drive systems as one joint power unit. This flexibility results in benefits such as a zero emissions driving mode, fuel savings in both city and highway driving and maximum performance when desired.

The Panamera, which represents Porsche's fourth model line, will make its world debut in 2009 and promises to redefine the Gran Turismo category by featuring a unique design package that will afford equally generous front and rear space and seating comfort for four while retaining the sporting and unmistakable driving dynamics of every Porsche. Introduced initially with traditional drivetrains, the hybrid version of the Panamera will be offered at a later date.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche sports cars and Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States and Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 212 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

Worst. Spy Photo. Ever. And no, it's not ...

Ray Wert — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:45:00 EST

Worst. Spy Photo. Ever. And no, it's not just because it's the Porsche Panamera. Seriously — they need to outlaw sub-one-megapixel cameras on phones. (Hat tip to Ronán) [Irish Times]

Porsche Panamera: Test Convoy!

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:15:32 EST

Looks like Wiedeking's boys are on their way to northern Canada to put the Porsche Panamera through some Alberta-grade testing. According to the gent who spotted a convoy of cars and crew, the Stuttgart special forces were headed to Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories. That's about 250 miles from the Arctic circle, where the new slope-roofed Panamera will undergo deep-freeze testing. Didn't anyone tell these boys winter's coming? Guess they'll have to rely on all the whale-like Porker to stay warm when the thermometer mercury makes a beeline for the center of the earth. [via FerrariChat]

A Panorama of Porsche Panameras

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 06:30:30 EDT

High=altitude testing makes strange bedfellows. In this case, a team of German-speaking engineers, holed up at a Colorado retreat with six Porsche Panamera prototypes, found themselves in close proximity to John the tipster, who snapped a few photos of the proceedings. To wit:

I am at a conference at the the Keystone Inn right now in Keystone, Colorado... a ski resort near Breckenridge. There are about 6 Panameras hidden in back parking lot, and a handful of Germans with laptops who aren't too interested in striking up a conversation. They've been here for a few days and the cars are modestly disguised with tarps, plastic, reflective tape, and big plastic crates over the rear spoiler, although there's not much that can truly hide a Porsche the size of an Avalon. The interior was also well disguised with vinyl covering the dash, doors, and even the steering wheel. Made my conference a little more interesting.

Porsche says all this testing will be done by the 2009 Frankfurt show, where the Panamera will hit the floodlights.

2010 Porsche Panamera

Ray Wert — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:45:00 EDT

Apparently the viewers at the Lane that you can go Fast in Daily aren't the only place that's got readers seeing the 2010 Porsche Panamera cruising around town in Marina Del Ray, CA. Our eagle-eyed tipster Ben captured shots of three of the four-door saloons at a local Chevron station. We'll just drop them in along with our own shots of the Panamera which we've re-included below.

2010 Porsche Panamera

Ray Wert — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 16:15:00 EDT

Ooh, look — a viewer of the video site that's all about living Daily in the Fast Lane happened upon a very green-looking 2010 Porsche Panamera over in Marina Del Ray, California. It's actually a fairly detailed looking shot of the side of the new four-door from Porsche — check it out if you've got a moment. Of course, only if you'd like to gag at yet another look at the winged hatchback sedan. Of course if that's the case — check out our previous shots of the German beast below. [via Fast Lane Daily]

Porsche 928 Replacement, Under Cover?

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:30:44 EDT

What's this under wraps at the Porsche factory at Stuttgart? Judging from all those weird shapes propping up the tarp, Dutch site AutoGespot says it could be the 928 replacement reportedly set to arrive after the Panamera four-door coupe. It does have Porsche wheels, though it looks a bit unformed. Kind of like they just piled a bunch of parts up to mess with prying lenses. What say you, oh scrutinous ones?[AutoGespot]

2010 Porsche Panamera...Again

Ray Wert — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 10:30:00 EDT

It isn't just the Spanish spotting Porsche Panamera test vehicles on the road. In addition to the video from earlier this morning, our Soo-th Ahf-rikhen friends at Wheels24 procured some shots of the winged wonder down in Johannesburg, South Africa. Why South Africa? Well — as it's one of the markets they'll be offering it in come 2010, why not start getting fellow drivers used to a four-door Porsche sedan. We know we're certainly not used to it yet — maybe Porsche could drive the Panamera around our place a few times — you know, just to help us wrap out minds around the concept. Of course we do already have our own set of spy shots which you can peruse again below. [Wheels24]

Porsche Panamera Spotted in Spain

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 08:48:43 EDT

Hola, Panamera! A Porsche Panamera prototype was recently spotted in Zona Levante, Spain. Apparently even overworked German engineers on a deadline have time for a run to the beach. Who knows what mischief they got into after this was shot. Possibly something involving fruity cocktails and unidentified chemicals in pill form, followed by six hours in a fetal position. Best. Job. Ever. [via The German Car Blog]

Porsche Panamera on Video

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:53:01 EDT

We saw its wacky wing, now we get to see and hear the proto-Porsche Panamera in action. Not action exactly, but at least it's moving in a forward direction. The burble says this one's got the eight, not the six, but the body screams "easy on the donuts." [via Motor Authority]

2010 Porsche Panamera - Showing Us A Wing, No Prayer In Sight

Ray Wert — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:59:00 EDT

We just snagged these KGP spy shots and it looks like there's even less camouflage on the Porsche Panamera than the last batch we saw. Those wily Porsche engineers who aren't so good at camoflauging their test vehicles, ditched the large plastic "cage" obscuring the Panamera's rear spoiler ever since its first appearance on the test circuit. We can now clearly see the smooth integration of the rear wing into the Panamera's sloping rear hatch and the spoiler that lifts and extends outward from the base of the backlight glass. How very Mercedes SLR of you, Porsche. Still looks like it was hit with the elongated ugly stick.

Porsche Panamera on the Half Shell

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 07:52:07 EDT

We'll be relieved when these Porsche Panamera spy shots go gentle like Gabe Kaplan into that good media night. We yearn for the Panamera's post-prototype age, when gone will be the awkward cladding, manifest porker shape debauched by disguise, and those friggin' chimpy cheeks! That age is two years away, at best estimates. For now, let's just try not to point and laugh. It hates that.

Spy Shots: the Panamera... and it's not exactly pretty [Autoblog]

More Dirt On A Possible 928 Successor

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:15:00 EDT

For quite a while now we've been receiving reports that a new 928 is coming. To which we have always said "Boo Ya!" with the right side of our mouth, and "yeah right" with the left. Up until today the word on the street has been that after the four-door Panamera launches in 2009, they'll begin hammering on a two-door version due out in 2012 or so. Well guess what? A ~~janitor~~ spy deep within Porsche is claiming that a two door Panamera has been in the pipeline the entire time. Seems that Porsche has been keeping a close eye on the Bentley boys and their two-headed Continental GT/Flying Spur monster. Though, unlike the ~~German~~ British two-door, the new 928 (can we just go ahead and call it the 928?) will be all about über performance, not waftable GT luxury. Seeing as how Porsche and VAG are as inbred as a racehorse, might be the only way to sneak a new 928 into production. Put us down for the twin-turbo V8 version please. And, if they drop in the V10 from the Carrera GT, we'll take two. And for the love of the fatherland, make it look like the old 928. – Jonny Lieberman

Porsche building a 928 successor based on Panamera? [Motor Authority]

Spec'ing the 2010 Porsche Panamera

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:48:50 EDT

Those seven-day tweakers AutoWeek have set their forensic Photoshop artistes to predicting the coming Porsche Panamera, ahead of its presumed reveal at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show. We've been taken with how ungainly the Panamera has looked in recent spy shots, and the illustrations do little to quell the dread unsettling our collective stomach. AW also summarizes some newly sourced information on the coming four-door's mechanicals. Those are, a base engine based on Volkswagen's 3.6-liter V6 and a 4.8-liter, direct-injection V8 projected to produce 400 hp in free-breathing trim and 520 hp turbocharged. A V6 hybrid-drive version is expected to join the similarly powered Cayanne the company announced in 2005 was in development. As for the rumor Porsche would produce a two-door version to revive the former 928's configuration? Still unconfirmed. – Mike Spinelli

2010 Porsche Panamera [AutoWeek]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Porsche Busts Budget on Leipzig Plant for Panamera

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:35:34 EDT

Getting into the premium, grand touring sedan-coupe market is costing the flush Porsche s few more Cayenne bux than it had planned. According to Automotive News, the Stuttgartarians are over budget by 25% on an extension to the Leipzig plant that will build the coming car's bodies at an expected rate of 20,000 a year. Assemblage begins in 2008, with a launch of the Mercedes CLS / Aston Martin Rapide fighter happening at one of the big shows that year. The $202 million makeover includes a larger production floor, a logistics center and restaurant-grade refrigerator so Jorg's onion pies stop stinking up Edvard's schweinehaxe. – Mike Spinelli

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Spy Photos: More Shots of the Porsche Panamera Mule

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:10:22 EST

They've done away with that weird flat royal blue latex paint, but Porsche is still flogging its dopey Panamera test mule ahead of the new four-door's production in 2009. We're assuming the finished product will look quite a bit more comely than the fugly duckling in these photos, published in Car. Still, the current tester is quite an effort in creative subterfuge. Imagine building fake body panels specifically to resemble an uglier version of the car that's being tested, while keeping to the expected specs. It's brilliant. The swan is expected to emerge sometime in 2008. – Mike Spinelli

Panamera Spied [German Car Scene]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Spy Video: 2010 Porsche Panamera

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:02:11 EST

A test mule of Porsche's upcoming sedan (sorry, four-door coupe?) — the Panamera — has been spotted in Europe sporadically since this past summer. Now, AutoExpress has long-lens spy video footage of the car, as it began a grueling week of roadway flogging. While the mule looks like something Porsche, don't expect the final product to be so ungainly. Engineers likely fashioned the disguise out of parts it had lying about — a bit of 911 here, a piece of Cayman there, a dash of Cayenne... The final product will debut at the 2009 Geneva show, and according to AE, will have a front-mounted 3.5-liter Volkswagen V6 as its base engine, producing 300 hp, with a Porsche-built V8 in naturally aspirated (350 hp) and twin-turbo (560 hp) versions available to those with bond-trading bonuses melting their Dockers. – Mike Spinelli

Porsche Panamera: First footage of Porsche's four-door coupe testing [AutoExpress]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Spy Photos: More Blue Mule - Porsche Panamera Again

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 11:23:56 EDT

It's like a scene from "National Lampoon's Nurburgring Vacation": "Look kids, Porsche Panamera Mule. Look kids, Porsche Panamera Mule. Look kids ..." Today, new photos of the now famous "Blue Mule" Porsche Panamera, caught testing in Germany and southern Spain, have emerged from the ether. It's a matter of filling column inches at this point, considering we've seen the odd, royal-blue tester before in various settings — this time we get some new camera angles. The four-door Porker is destined for the 2009 Geneva show, which is a tremendous pain because finding a hotel room in that city is like talking a supermodel out of her panties for a $5 bet. Nonetheless, the anticipation of a Porsche that seats four in adult comfort is almost too tantalizing not to capitalize on even the slighest wisp of information. That is, at base, what's happening here. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: More Porsche Panamera [internal]

Spy Shots: More on the Blue Porsche Panamera Mule

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 18:40:47 EDT

Right, so funny story. Chief Jalopnik laptop, Monkey #1, threw its feces at some feral microchip this afternoon, and it imploded. A quick call to the local arms dealer had us back in business. Now, you can revel — or not — in these new spy shots of the Porsche Panamera, which surfaced this afternoon on Winding Road. It's probably the same mule as was spotted last week, but up close, you can get even more disgusted or excited, as is your pleasure.

Best Shots Yet Of Porsches Panamera! [Winding Road]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [Internal]

Spy Photos: 2009 Porsche Panamera

Ray Wert — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 20:03:50 EDT

In an interview this week with Auto Motor und Sport, Porsche's CEO Wendelin Wiedeking claimed the automakers new four-door, four-seat GT entry would be out on the famous (or infamous) N rburgring this week for testing. That news dovetailed nicely with our report last week that the Panamera's moved up from "test bed chassis beneath a BMW (or Cayenne) exo-skeleton-like body" to "test mule." Now it appears the folks who find themselves at all times with a Connection to a Car ~~procured from~~ paid for some of the first clear spy photos of the fascia-obscura'ed body from spy photog of the star-like cars, Brenda Priddy. Along with the not-so-pretty and very blue pics, The Car Connection's also reporting the Panamera's expected to make its debut at the 2009 Geneva show.

Spy Shots: 2009 Porsche Panamera [The Car Connection]

Spy Photos: First Shots of Porsche Panamera Test Mule

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 07:20:19 EDT

Well, there you go. Porsche's upcoming quad-door GT entry, the Panamera, appears to have finally emerged from Stuttgart in some coherent form. Of course this mule is still only a mid-cycle number, but unlike previous test beds that were mainly chassis prototypes beneath BMW (or Cayenne) bodies, this version hearkens the Panamera's shape somewhat. As such, we can begin estimating how close it comes to the "four door coupe" ideal that's been the descriptor of choice among by journos and industry types alike. What we have here is something more sedan-like than an early teaser sketch indicated, mainly owing to the placement of a prominent B-pillar. Nonetheless, we seem to be entering a new phase of development, though we won't see the final model for three years or so.

Porsche Panamera : premier prototype ! [Cardisiac via Motor Authority]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Spec-tacular: More on the 2010 Porsche Panamera, Coupe Sibling

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 14:47:21 EDT

Lest we forgot it was in the works, The Car Connection offers up a spec image suggesting what Porsche's new line of upmarket tourers will look like in two-door coupe form — a sibling to the Panamera four-door "coupe." According to TCC, the company is testing a set of prototypes that that indicate the Panamera is on the fast track for development — with a target date of 2009 — and its 928-like sibling isn't far behind (most likely it will trail by a year). The Panamera test mules are disguised as a BMW 5-Series and an Audi A8, while the coupe sports an ungainly costume of old 928, apparently fitted with some sort of jetpack. Rad. [Thanks to Marty for the tip.]

Spy Shots: '09 Porsche Panamera, GT Coupe [The Car Connection]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Porsche: 20,000 Panameras, No Sweat

Davey G. Johnson — Sat, 27 May 2006 01:54:56 EDT

The boys and girls at Porsche are confident they're gonna drop a train on the wealthy by moving 20,000 Panamera-units in the first year of production, with 40% of sales coming in North America. Porsche North America kopf Peter Schwarzenbauer also predicts two-digit sales growth for the German automaker in 2006 after a 20% jump last year.

Porsche expects to sell 20,000 Panamera cars in first year from launch [Forbes]

Spy Photos: 2009 Porsche Panamera, Say What!?

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 24 May 2006 09:18:00 EDT

At first, we thought Edmunds Inside Line's Ed Hellwig had blown a rod when we saw the headline of this entry in his Straightline blog. (I mean, a hedgehog with cataracts could tell that's a BMW M5.) But it makes perfect sense that a carmaker (like Porsche) would test the engine and underpinnings of a super-secret model (like the Panamera) under a test mule disguised as one of its competitor's models. At least, that's what all the spy shooters at the N rburgring say. Who are we to argue?

Spy photo: 2009 Porsche Panamera [Edmunds Straightline]

Related:
More on the Porsche Panamera [internal]

Porsche Panamera Production to be in Leipzig

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 18 May 2006 09:22:17 EDT

We're hoping Porsche's upcoming Panamera will enjoy a nice dish of Allerlei. That's because Porsche confirmed the four-door "coupe" will be built in Leipzig, home of Cayenne assemblage, the erstwhile Carrera GT and to that particular local dish, consisting of mixed vegetables in a thick sauce. (Y'all may know it as succotash.) Anyway, as The German Car Blog translates, Porsche will add 500 employees to the plant, which opened in 2002, to build the Porsche tourer, apparently still on track for a late-2008 introduction. Guten Appetit!

Porsche Panamera: Production in Leipzig Confirmed! [The German Car Blog]

Related:
More on the Panamera [internal]